Santa Cruz Crit. West coast, Best coast.
Two years ago as a fresh Cat 4 I had raced this crit. Completely open minded to the quick decent and fast sweeping flat. I had finished close to last and went for for win with two to go. Completely spent all the gas I had and called it a day. Two years later I played the game right! Positioning myself well ad watching to see what the field did. Our boy wonder Walton Brush (MASHSF) won the first four primes in a row. Completely blowing everyone out of the water with the gaps he created after each lazy sprint to the line. Walton also crossed the finish line with 4 car lengths from anyone else. I really hope Walton now has enough to upgrade to a cat two! I love ya buddy but give me a chance to win! Fifth prime your boy attempted to go for the prime but was beat by a mikes bikes rider at the line. After going for the prime myself and two dudes had a decent gap from the peloton but was caught at seven to go. The down hill and false flat up to the start/finish is where we got caught. So I sat in the back until three laps to go. San Jose juniors and specialized juniors were crowding the field. But Raul Arias (SJJC) had perfect placement at bell lap. I was seventh or eighth wheel from the front. But at the last turn to the hill he coasted by me as I sucked some major wind. Great positioning but at the last sweeper before the turn to the false flat the group started to slow. I had rubbed a juniors rear wheel with my front and readjusted to make the last right turn to the up hill. My gearing was off but I still was with the main group. Stoked that i finished 10th outta 62. which is rad in my book. Especially for this kinda course and how fast laps are knocked out.
I wanted to shout out Yung Marc Marino (Team Chica Sexy). This is the first 3s race I’ve done with Marc and he was a positive treat to the field. He never gave up and played the game just right. We tried to have a plan the night before of what moves to make but the chaos of the last two laps separated us and all bets were off. I’m sure me attempting a break with two other guy didn’t help. But Marc’s and my presence was known. Glad you Cat’d up Marc now lets crush the rest of the season!
Thanks to everyone and anyone for the support!